University to conclude partnership with Gardner Institute
Aug. 27, 2025
The ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø has elected to end its formal partnership with the Gardner Institute, bringing the current project to a close in September.
This decision follows a similar decision by the University of Alaska Southeast to discontinue its own partnership with the Gardner Institute earlier this year. The UAF Gardner Institute Steering Committee recommended this after determining that Gardner Institute’s facilitation style and processes did not align with UAF’s distinct context and needs. While UAF remains committed to strengthening the foundational postsecondary experience to promote and improve student success, it was clear that a different approach would be more effective for the UAF campus.
The university will continue this work through existing efforts, most recently advanced under the First-Year Redesign, which will continue through the UAF Retention Hub. A final report, based on recommendations from the Retention Hub, will be reviewed by the project’s steering committee and leadership team in September. That report will guide the development of a forward-looking plan that builds on the top priorities identified for UAF.